Waukesha city officials say the quantity and quality of water in their city is nearing a crisis level.

Later today, Daniel Duchniak, the city's water utility general manager, is heading to Washington, D.C. to talk about a proposal to tap into Lake Michigan.

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He says Waukesha's aquifers are declining and becoming contaminated with things like radium. "In order for the city to remain viable as a player in the region, we need to have a water supply source for all of our customers and all of our businesses we have here," Duchniak said.

Waukesha wants to buy water from Oak Creek. It would be pumped through Franklin. Treated waste water would end up back in Lake Michigan.

Until a decision is made, the water utility says it will keep pushing water conservation efforts.